According to WHO, the world was alerted to the first appearance of Zika in the Western Hemisphere in May 2015, when Brazil confirmed that a “mysterious outbreak” of thousands of cases of mild disease with rash was caused by the Zika virus.
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Brazil has confirmed more than 860 cases of microcephaly, and considers a lot of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers.
The Zika virus is most concerning to pregnant women on the island.
The first South Korean patient diagnosed with the virus began developing fever and muscle ache from March 16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the test results to DPH Monday. Microcephaly is a condition where the head is smaller than normal and may lead to a child experiencing a variety of other health challenges including physical and speech functions, seizure, hyperactivity, coordination problems and other brain/neurological disorders.
Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
“The possibility that a mosquito bite could be linked to severe fetal malformations alarmed the public and astonished scientists”, Dr Chan said.
Southern Research’s infectious disease research team focuses on a wide array of human infectious diseases including programs involved in the HIV Cure Initiative, Biodisease, influenza clinical trial support, dengue virus vaccine evaluations, hepatitis and poliovirus.
Brazil and Panama are now reporting cases of microcephaly – including 6,480 suspected cases in Brazil. But as many as 80 percent of people infected never develop symptoms.
British health officials reported Zika was found in a man’s semen two months after he was infected, suggesting the virus may linger in semen long after infection symptoms fade.
USA health officials are reminding healthcare workers to use standard protective gear when delivering babies to prevent possible infection with Zika or transmission of the virus to newborns.
World Health Organization says there is “an increasing body of evidence” about the link between Zika and microcephaly, but cautions that it remains unproven. “Working in partnership is vital if we are to successfully tackle the health risks posed by emerging infections such as the Zika virus”.
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At present, there is no available vaccine for the Zika virus, but the United States and Cuba announced on Monday they would pool their resources to fight various diseases, including the Zika virus.
